Sound bite: Phoenix ranks in top 10 for dog attacks on mail carriers

PHOENIX — Ouch! Phoenix has landed on the post office’s list of top cities where dogs attack mail carriers.

The United States Postal Service released its list in time for National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Phoenix came in ninth with 35 dogs attacks last year. Los Angeles was first with 74.

“There’s a myth we often hear at the Postal Service: Don’t worry, my dog won’t bite,” Linda DeCarlo, safety manager for the department, said in a statement.

The department said 5,067 workers were attacked by Rover and friends last year.

“Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem. Any dog can bite and all attacks are preventable through responsible pet ownership.”

Ranking

Location

2014 dog attacks

1.

Los Angeles, Calif.

74

2.

Houston, Texas

62

3.

San Diego, Calif.

47

4.

Chicago, Ill.

45

5.

Dallas, Texas

43

6.

Denver, Colo. and Louisville, Ky.

40

7.

St. Louis, Missouri

38

8.

Cleveland, Ohio

37

9.

Phoenix, Ariz.

35

10.

Minneapolis. Minn., and Philadelphia, Pa.

33

Other Western cities in the top 20 included: Sacramento, California at No. 12, Seattle, Washington at No. 13, Long Beach, California at No. 14, San Francisco, California at No. 18, Oakland, California at No. 19 and San Jose, California at No. 20.